Two Pedestrians Struck And Killed In Claymont On Friday

The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating two separate fatal pedestrian accidents that occurred late Friday.

The second incident occurred at approximately 4:59 p.m., Friday, December 14, 2018, on northbound Philadelphia Pike, north of Wiltshire Road in Claymont. The initial investigation has determined that a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee, being driven by a 56-year-old Claymont man, was traveling northbound on Philadelphia Pike, proceeding through the intersection with Wiltshire Rd. with a green light. A 59-year-old Claymont man, who was a pedestrian, was crossing Philadelphia Pike in an undetermined direction when he was struck by the Jeep. After impact the pedestrian was thrown to the pavement, coming to rest in the left lane of Philadelphia Pike. The Jeep also came to a stop in the left lane.

The victim was transported to the Christiana Hospital where he was pronounced deceased. It was determined that he was not utilizing a crosswalk, was not wearing reflective clothing and was not carrying a light, according to police. Impairment on his behalf is unknown at this time. Identification is pending notification of next of kin.

The driver of the Jeep who was wearing his seatbelt was not injured. Neither speed or impairment is a factor on his behalf, said Austin.

Northbound Philadelphia Pike was closed for approximately 2 hours while the scene was investigated and cleared.

The first incident occurred at approximately 12:44 Friday morning, on Governor Printz Blvd. in the area of Hillside Road in Claymont. The initial investigation has determined that a 2004 GMC Yukon, being operated by Bruce C. Bryan, 42, of Chester, Pennsylvania was traveling southbound on Governor Printz Blvd. in the right lane, just north of Hillside Road. A pedestrian, identified as Nicholas Weaver, 38, of Wilmington, was on the southbound side of Governor Printz Blvd, north of Hillside Road when he was struck by the GMC.

The pedestrian was thrown into a grassy area west of the roadway. The GMC came to a controlled stop just south of the collision scene. It is unknown at this time if the pedestrian was attempting to cross the roadway or was simply walking along the roadway. There are no pedestrian crosswalks in the area of the collision.

Weaver victim was transported to the Christiana Hospital where he was pronounced deceased. It was determined that he was not carrying a light nor was he wearing any reflective clothing.

Bryan was not injured as a result of the collision. Evidence of impairment on his behalf was detected and he was charged with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, according to police.

The southbound lanes of Governor Printz Blvd. were closed for approximately 3 hours while the scene was investigated and cleared.

Share your thoughts

Staff Writer

First State Update's Delaware editorial team covers New Castle County, Kent County and Sussex County breaking news, political news, and general news stories. We bring the reader the latest news from the Wilmington, Newark, Dover, Rehoboth Beach and all point in between. If you have news to share, email us at desk@firststateupdate.com.